Richard Betts

Richard Alex Betts

Port Huron

Richard Alex Betts, 68 of Port Huron, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2013 at his home with his wife and children at his side, following a 2 ½ year battle with lung cancer. Throughout his illness he managed to live his life to the fullest enjoying time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Dick was born on November 18, 1944 in Port Huron to George and Ruby Betts. He attended the Port Huron schools and graduated from Port Huron High School in 1963. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967 and later graduated from SC4. On July 26, 1969, he married Sharon Campbell in St. Stephen Catholic Church, Port Huron.

Dick worked 33 years as an electrical technician for the Detroit Edison Co. Following his retirement he worked 4 ½ years for ITC. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and was a life member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association. He loved boating, traveling, and scuba diving. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was always full of life.

Dick is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sharon Campbell Betts; his two children, Laura (Dave) McKenzie of Dexter, MI and Kenneth Betts of Detroit; his grandchildren, Aimee, Shelby, Zachary, and Nicholas McKenzie; his mother, Ruby Betts Weaver of Port Huron; three brothers, George (Sharon) Betts of Macomb, MI, Donald (Sherry) Betts of North Street, and Dennis (Cathy) Betts of Sarnia, Ont.; his sister, Karen Rapley of Port Huron; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, George Betts, his stepfather, Glenn Weaver, and a niece, Georgia Betts Shaver.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2013 in Smith Family Funeral Home-North, 1525 Hancock St. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home preceded by one hour of visitation. The Rev. William Wright, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery under the direction of the St. Clair County Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Michael, Stephen, Shane, and Kevin Betts, Charlie Bush, and Darrell Kaltz. Contributions may be made in Dick's memory to First United Methodist Church or Mid City Nutrition. To send condolences, please visit smithfamilyfuneralhome.com